EX-99.1 2 dex991.htm PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY FIRST MIDWEST BANCORP, INC. DATED OCTOBER 24, 2007 Press Release issued by First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. dated October 24, 2007

Exhibit 99.1

 

     News Release
LOGO   First Midwest Bancorp, Inc.    First Midwest Bancorp One Pierce Place, Suite 1500 Itasca, Illinois 60143 (630) 875-7450

 

   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE       CONTACT:   

Paul F. Clemens

EVP, Chief Financial Officer

(630) 875-7347

   TRADED:    NASDAQ Global Select Market       www.firstmidwest.com
   SYMBOL:    FMBI         

FIRST MIDWEST BANCORP, INC.

ANNOUNCES THIRD QUARTER 2007 EPS OF $0.55 PER SHARE

PORTFOLIO POSITIONING AND TAX BENEFIT RECOGNITION

IMPACT PERFORMANCE

Third Quarter Synopsis:

ITASCA, IL, OCTOBER 24, 2007 – First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company” or “First Midwest”) (NASDAQ NGS: FMBI), the holding company of First Midwest Bank, today reported results of operations and financial condition for third quarter 2007. First Midwest Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, John M. O’Meara, reported, “Third quarter earnings of $0.55 per fully diluted share were reported by the Company compared to second quarter 2007 earnings of $0.59 and third quarter 2006 earnings of $0.62. Responding to the capital markets turmoil, the Company sold securities amounting to $200 million during September at a pre-tax loss of $5.2 million. Partially offsetting this transaction was the recognition of tax benefits associated with state income tax loss carryforwards of $2.2 million. The net effect of these two items reduced after-tax income by $0.04 per share. Return on average equity amounted to 14.6% compared to second quarter 2007 and third quarter 2006 of 15.5% and 17.1%, respectively. Return on average assets was 1.35% compared with 1.44% for both second quarter 2007 and third quarter 2006.”

O’Meara further commented, “Underlying operating performance for the quarter improved from second quarter 2007. Loan portfolio growth improved from second quarter 2007. Net interest margin improved slightly to 3.63%. Asset quality as measured by charge-offs was stronger than any quarter since the second quarter of 2005 at 0.12%. And, the efficiency ratio of 51.9% was an improvement from second quarter 2007.”

 

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Balance Sheet Discussion:

The turmoil in the capital markets resulted in premiums being charged in some sectors for access to funding. Responding to this condition, the Company sold certain readily marketable fixed income securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac totaling approximately $200 million and used the proceeds to reduce the Company’s overnight and other short dated borrowings. The Company recorded a $5.2 million pre-tax loss. These funds may be redeployed into more traditional bank investments in the fourth quarter and beyond as market conditions normalize.

Loans outstanding for third quarter 2007 were up $22 million from June 30, 2007 compared to a decline of $84 million in the second quarter from March 31, 2007. Second quarter prepayment trends were diminished in the third quarter at the same time that growth in real estate commercial and construction portfolios improved. Sales activity was rigorous. Across the Company’s commercial middle market, small business, and trust sales platforms over 1,600 new customer relationships were added through the first three quarters of 2007.

Third quarter 2007 average transaction deposit balances increased $58 million from second quarter 2007 due primarily to growth in savings and money market accounts and a seasonal increase in tax deposits. The Company has adjusted the rates it pays on its customer deposits in response to the September cut by the Federal Reserve, while taking into account competition for deposits within the market. In the wholesale funding book, the Company extended FHLB borrowings and issued new term certificates of deposit to further mitigate the necessity to access overnight markets.

Asset Quality Performance:

Loan charge-offs for third quarter 2007 were 0.12% of average loans, which is the lowest level for more than 8 quarters. Consumer loan charge-offs accounted for approximately 0.03% and commercial and real estate loan charge-offs accounted for the balance. Nonperforming assets, including ninety day past due loans, aggregated $38.2 million or 0.77% of loans plus foreclosed real estate, down slightly from 0.78% for second quarter 2007. Loan valuation reserves, as a percentage of total loans, stood at 1.25%, equal to year-end 2006. Review of this reserve has been and will continue to be ongoing. The risk in single-family residential markets is also being carefully monitored.

 

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Margin Performance:

Net interest margin for third quarter 2007 stood at 3.63%, compared with 3.61% for second quarter 2007 and 3.53% for first quarter 2007. The fifty basis point cut in the federal funds rate announced by the Federal Reserve on September 19th came as something of a surprise to sectors of the market. The anticipated future track of this rate is important in terms of changes to consumer savings, transaction and certificate rates. Even lock-stepped movements in rates paid may result in margin compaction due to timing differences. Conversely, credit spreads are being recognized in certain borrowing and securities sectors, which may partially offset this trend.

Efficiency Performance:

The efficiency ratio for third quarter 2007 was 51.9%, compared with 52.1% and 52.2% for the second and first quarters of 2007, respectively. While the Company will maintain its focus on controlling expenses, it intends to expand its revenues from trust services, investment sales, and debit and credit card sales.

Capital Analysis and Projection:

First Midwest’s capital position continues to exceed all of the regulatory minimum levels to be considered a “well capitalized institution” by the Federal Reserve System. As of September 30, 2007, First Midwest’s Total Risk Based Capital ratio was 12.2%, compared to 12.5% as of June 30, 2007. Its Tier 1 Risk Based Capital ratio was 9.6%, compared to 9.9% as of June 30, 2007. First Midwest’s tangible capital ratio, which represents the ratio of stockholders’ equity to total assets excluding intangible assets, stood at 5.8%, unchanged from June 30, 2007. Excluding other comprehensive losses, the tangible capital ratio stood at 6.3%, at both September 30, 2007 and June 30, 2007.

During third quarter 2007, 792,284 shares were repurchased in accordance with the Company’s ongoing share repurchase program. Dividends at the rate of $0.295 per share were declared as well. The Company intends for dividend payouts and share repurchases to continue to be features in the Company’s capital management plan going forward.

Tax Discussion:

In August, the State of Illinois enacted new legislation that will affect the taxation of banks operating in the state. The legislative provisions have various effective dates, the earliest beginning January 1, 2008. As a result of this legislation, the Company has adjusted its valuation allowance related to Illinois net operating losses. The adjustment resulted in a $1.4 million after-tax benefit to net income in third quarter 2007.

 

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Outlook for Fourth Quarter 2007 and Beyond:

O’Meara commented, “Earnings per share for fourth quarter 2007 should track the operating trends demonstrated in third quarter 2007. Net interest margin should approximate 3.60%, loan growth appears to have new momentum, asset quality is solid, and efficiency is tracking lower. The results will be influenced by, among other factors, the timing and amplitude of federal funds rate movements on the one hand and generation of loans on the other hand. Also influencing this near term performance should be the timing of the redeployment of the securities which were sold in late September.

“All of these trends are expected to have their impact on 2008 performance. We anticipate that a vigorous competitive marketplace with both new and old competitors will influence the outcome. A flexible balance sheet should allow for smooth relevering in more advantageous markets. Asset quality remains a strong boost as we are able to focus most of our attention on sales activities. Finally, our operating efficiency should allow us to bring this activity profitably to the bottom line.”

About First Midwest:

First Midwest is the premier relationship-based banking franchise in the growing Chicagoland banking market. As one of the Chicago metropolitan area’s largest independent bank holding companies, First Midwest provides the full range of both business and retail banking and trust and investment management services through 103 offices located in 63 communities, primarily in metropolitan Chicago. First Midwest was recently recognized by the Alfred P. Sloan Awards for Business Excellence in Workforce Flexibility in the greater Chicago Area.

 

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Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are not historical facts but instead represent only the Company’s beliefs regarding future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company’s control. It is possible that actual results and the Company’s financial condition may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results and financial condition indicated in these forward-looking statements. For a discussion of some of the risks and important factors that could affect the Company’s future results, see “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements represent management’s best judgment as of the date hereof based on currently available information. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no duty to update the contents of this press release after the date hereof.

Conference Call

A conference call to discuss the Company’s results, outlook and related matters will be held on Wednesday, October 24th, at 10:00 am (ET). Members of the public who would like to listen to the conference call should dial 1-800-510-0219 (U.S. domestic) or 1-617-614-3451 (international) and enter passcode number 67614770. The number should be dialed at least 10 minutes prior to the start of the conference call. The conference call will also be accessible as an audio webcast through the Investor Relations section of the Company’s web site, www.firstmidwest.com/about investoroverview.asp. There is no charge to access the call. For those unable to listen to the live broadcast, a replay will be available on the Company’s web site or by dialing 1-888-286-8010 (U.S. domestic) or 1-617-801-6888 (international) passcode number 11968276, beginning approximately one hour after the event through 11:59 pm (ET) on October 31, 2007. Please direct any questions regarding obtaining access to the conference call to First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. Investor Relations, via e-mail, at investor.relations@firstmidwest.com.

Accompanying Financial Statements and Tables

Accompanying this press release is the following unaudited financial information:

 

 

Operating Highlights, Balance Sheet Highlights and Stock Performance Data (1 page)

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Condition (1 page)

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (1 page)

 

 

Selected Quarterly Data and Asset Quality (1 page)

Press Release and Additional Information Available on Website

This press release, the accompanying financial statements and tables, and certain additional unaudited Selected Financial Information (totaling 3 pages) are available through the “Investor Relations” section of First Midwest’s website at www.firstmidwest.com.

 

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First Midwest Bancorp, Inc.    Press Release Dated October 24, 2007

 

Operating Highlights

 

Unaudited

   Quarters Ended     Nine Months Ended  

(Amounts in thousands except per share data)

   Sept. 30, 2007     June 30, 2007     Sept. 30, 2006     Sept. 30, 2007     Sept. 30, 2006  

Net income

   $ 27,237     $ 29,311     $ 31,215     $ 85,577     $ 85,718  

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.55     $ 0.59     $ 0.62     $ 1.71     $ 1.74  

Return on average equity

     14.57 %     15.47 %     17.09 %     15.18 %     17.05 %

Return on average assets

     1.35 %     1.44 %     1.44 %     1.40 %     1.40 %

Net interest margin

     3.63 %     3.61 %     3.69 %     3.59 %     3.71 %

Efficiency ratio

     51.87 %     52.13 %     49.06 %     52.06 %     50.86 %

Balance Sheet Highlights

 

Unaudited

   Period Ending Balances As Of

(Amounts in thousands except per share data)

   Sept. 30, 2007    June 30, 2007    Sept. 30, 2006

Total assets

   $ 7,884,345    $ 8,055,358    $ 8,596,864

Total loans

     4,931,472      4,909,858      5,069,554

Total deposits

     5,834,175      5,814,744      6,229,390

Stockholders’ equity

     727,928      741,060      745,869

Book value per share

   $ 14.94    $ 14.97    $ 14.92

Period end shares outstanding

     48,735      49,494      50,001

Stock Performance Data

 

Unaudited

   Quarters Ended  
      Sept. 30, 2007     June 30, 2007     Sept. 30, 2006  

Market Price:

      

Quarter End

   $ 34.16     $ 35.51     $ 37.89  

High

   $ 36.62     $ 38.17     $ 38.89  

Low

   $ 31.87     $ 34.82     $ 34.42  

Quarter end price to book value

     2.3   x     2.4   x     2.5   x

Quarter end price to consensus estimated 2007 earnings

     14.5   x     14.9   x     N/A  

Dividends declared per share

   $ 0.295     $ 0.295     $ 0.275  

 

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First Midwest Bancorp, Inc.    Press Release Dated October 24, 2007

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Condition

 

Unaudited (1)

   September 30,  

(Amounts in thousands)

   2007     2006  

Assets

    

Cash and due from banks

   $ 182,495     $ 182,484  

Funds sold and other short-term investments

     4,842       9,516  

Trading account securities

     17,431       14,069  

Securities available for sale

     1,924,357       2,561,962  

Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost

     92,913       98,745  

Loans

     4,931,472       5,069,554  

Reserve for loan losses

     (61,412 )     (62,370 )
                

Net loans

     4,870,060       5,007,184  
                

Premises, furniture, and equipment

     126,322       122,662  

Investment in corporate owned life insurance

     201,418       194,632  

Goodwill and other intangible assets

     289,341       293,839  

Accrued interest receivable and other assets

     175,166       111,771  
                

Total assets

   $ 7,884,345     $ 8,596,864  
                

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

    

Deposits

   $ 5,834,175     $ 6,229,390  

Borrowed funds

     998,502       1,295,316  

Subordinated debt

     227,948       228,747  

Accrued interest payable and other liabilities

     95,792       97,542  
                

Total liabilities

     7,156,417       7,850,995  
                

Common stock

     613       613  

Additional paid-in capital

     206,951       203,860  

Retained earnings

     865,435       807,039  

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)

     (36,385 )     (1,674 )

Treasury stock, at cost

     (308,686 )     (263,969 )
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     727,928       745,869  
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 7,884,345     $ 8,596,864  
                

(1) While unaudited, the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Condition have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and, as of September 30, 2006, are derived from quarterly financial statements on which Ernst & Young LLP, First Midwest’s independent registered public accounting firm, has rendered a Quarterly Review Report; Ernst & Young is currently in the process of completing their Quarterly Review Report for the quarter ended September 30, 2007.

 

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First Midwest Bancorp, Inc.    Press Release Dated October 24, 2007

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

 

Unaudited (1)

   Quarters Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,

(Amounts in thousands except per share data)

   2007     2006    2007     2006

Interest Income

         

Loans

   $ 93,020     $ 93,929    $ 277,372     $ 258,756

Securities

     26,885       32,374      84,354       91,833

Other

     185       134      624       423
                             

Total interest income

     120,090       126,437      362,350       351,012
                             

Interest Expense

         

Deposits

     41,949       40,335      125,669       105,349

Borrowed funds

     13,680       16,799      43,392       46,869

Subordinated debt

     3,764       3,630      11,258       9,698
                             

Total interest expense

     59,393       60,764      180,319       161,916
                             

Net interest income

     60,697       65,673      182,031       189,096

Provision for loan losses

     470       2,715      5,191       6,364
                             

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

     60,227       62,958      176,840       182,732
                             

Noninterest Income

         

Service charges on deposit accounts

     11,959       10,971      33,029       29,442

Trust and investment management fees

     3,934       3,736      11,640       10,603

Other service charges, commissions, and fees

     5,601       5,471      16,859       14,773

Card-based fees

     4,054       3,734      11,946       10,065
                             

Subtotal, fee-based revenues

     25,548       23,912      73,474       64,883
                             

Corporate owned life insurance income

     2,023       2,206      5,916       5,650

Security (losses) gains, net

     (5,165 )     509      (760 )     898

Other

     989       364      4,088       2,199
                             

Total noninterest income

     23,395       26,991      82,718       73,630
                             

Noninterest Expense

         

Salaries and employee benefits

     27,354       27,023      83,912       79,694

Net occupancy expense

     5,686       5,482      16,574       15,146

Equipment expense

     2,580       2,651      7,796       7,487

Technology and related costs

     1,767       1,770      5,324       5,052

Other

     12,594       12,192      35,267       37,441
                             

Total noninterest expense

     49,981       49,118      148,873       144,820
                             

Income before taxes

     33,641       40,831      110,685       111,542

Income tax expense

     6,404       9,616      25,108       25,824
                             

Net Income

   $ 27,237     $ 31,215    $ 85,577     $ 85,718
                             

Diluted Earnings Per Share

   $ 0.55     $ 0.62    $ 1.71     $ 1.74
                             

Dividends Declared Per Share

   $ 0.295     $ 0.275    $ 0.885     $ 0.825
                             

Weighted Average Diluted Shares Outstanding

     49,447       50,315      49,915       49,158
                             

(1) While unaudited, the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and, for the quarter ended September 30, 2006, are derived from quarterly financial statements on which Ernst & Young LLP, First Midwest’s independent registered public accounting firm, has rendered a Quarterly Review Report; Ernst & Young is currently in the process of completing their Quarterly Review Report for the quarter ended September 30, 2007.

 

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First Midwest Bancorp, Inc.    Press Release Dated October 24, 2007

 

Selected Quarterly Data

 

Unaudited

   Year to Date     Quarters Ended  

(Amounts in thousands except per share data)

   9/30/07     9/30/06     9/30/07     6/30/07     3/31/07     12/31/06     9/30/06  

Net interest income

   $ 182,031     $ 189,096     $ 60,697     $ 60,964     $ 60,370     $ 62,763     $ 65,673  

Provision for loan losses

     5,191       6,364       470       1,761       2,960       3,865       2,715  

Noninterest income

     82,718       73,630       23,395       30,623       28,700       29,653       26,991  

Noninterest expense

     148,873       144,820       49,981       50,737       48,155       47,795       49,118  

Net income

     85,577       85,718       27,237       29,311       29,029       31,528       31,215  

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 1.71     $ 1.74     $ 0.55     $ 0.59     $ 0.58     $ 0.63     $ 0.62  

Return on average equity

     15.18 %     17.05 %     14.57 %     15.47 %     15.48 %     16.40 %     17.09 %

Return on average assets

     1.40 %     1.40 %     1.35 %     1.44 %     1.42 %     1.47 %     1.44 %

Net interest margin

     3.59 %     3.71 %     3.63 %     3.61 %     3.53 %     3.57 %     3.69 %

Efficiency ratio

     52.06 %     50.86 %     51.87 %     52.13 %     52.19 %     49.56 %     49.06 %
                                                        

Period end shares outstanding

     48,735       50,001       48,735       49,494       49,747       50,025       50,001  

Book value per share

   $ 14.94     $ 14.92     $ 14.94     $ 14.97     $ 15.16     $ 15.01     $ 14.92  

Dividends declared per share

   $ 0.885     $ 0.825     $ 0.295     $ 0.295     $ 0.295     $ 0.295     $ 0.275  
                                                        
Asset Quality               

Unaudited

   Year to Date     Quarters Ended  

(Amounts in thousands)

   9/30/07     9/30/06     9/30/07     6/30/07     3/31/07     12/31/06     9/30/06  

Nonaccrual loans

   $ 12,771     $ 17,459     $ 12,771     $ 14,927     $ 17,582     $ 16,209     $ 17,459  

Foreclosed real estate

     4,032       4,088       4,032       3,683       3,195       2,727       4,088  

Loans past due 90 days and still accruing

     21,421       11,296       21,421       19,633       15,603       12,810       11,296  
                                                        

Nonperforming loans to loans

     0.26 %     0.34 %     0.26 %     0.30 %     0.35 %     0.32 %     0.34 %

Nonperforming assets to loans

plus foreclosed real estate

     0.34 %     0.42 %     0.34 %     0.38 %     0.42 %     0.38 %     0.42 %

Nonperforming assets plus loans past due 90 days to loans plus foreclosed real estate

     0.77 %     0.65 %     0.77 %     0.78 %     0.73 %     0.63 %     0.65 %

Reserve for loan losses to loans

     1.25 %     1.23 %     1.25 %     1.27 %     1.25 %     1.25 %     1.23 %

Reserve for loan losses to nonperforming loans

     481 %     357 %     481 %     418 %     355 %     385 %     357 %
                                                        

Provision for loan losses

   $ 5,191     $ 6,364     $ 470     $ 1,761     $ 2,960     $ 3,865     $ 2,715  

Net loan charge-offs

     6,149       6,322       1,449       1,770       2,930       3,865       2,704  
                                                        

Net loan charge-offs to average loans

     0.17 %     0.18 %     0.12 %     0.14 %     0.24 %     0.30 %     0.21 %

 

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